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Clark County, NV Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

ADU rules in Clark County, NV, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Permit type: Accessory use, no SUP hearing
Units per lot: 1 maximum
Small-lot size cap: 75% of home (under 10,000 sf)
Larger-lot size cap: 100% of home
RV as ADU: Prohibited

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Nevada under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Clark County, NV rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

In unincorporated Clark County, accessory living quarters are a permitted accessory use in single-family zoning districts, no special use permit hearing required, but they are capped at one per lot and must meet strict siting, size, and design standards under Title 30.

City-specific rules exist: Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas have their own adu rules rules that differ from Clark County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

i. Location and Access
(a) Accessory living quarters must be in conjunction with a single-family residence.
(b) No more than 1 accessory living quarters is allowed on any lot or parcel.
ii. Layout and Design
(a) Accessory living quarters shall not be located within a manufactured or tiny home park or
on a lot that is less than 4,000 square feet.
(b) On a parcel or lot less than 10,000 square feet, accessory living quarters shall not exceed
75% of the gross floor area of the habitable area of the primary dwelling. This standard shall
not be waived or varied.
(c) On a parcel or lot that is 10,000 square feet or greater, or if within the Nonurban Area,
accessory living quarters shall not exceed the gross floor area of the primary dwelling.
(d) Accessory living quarters shall include a similar roof line, complementary colors, and
building materials as the primary dwelling.
(e) A recreational vehicle is prohibited as accessory living quarters.
3. Accessory Vehicle and Watercraft Storage
Zoning RS80 District RS40 RS20 RS10 RS5.2 RS3.3 RS2

View official code

Full Breakdown

Clark County Code section 30.03.03(A)(2) classifies accessory living quarters, a subordinate dwelling unit with its own living, sleeping, and sanitation space, as an accessory use, by right, no special use permit needed, in the RS single-family zoning districts, plus AG and OS. Only one is allowed per lot, and it must attach without interior access or stand as a separate structure on the same lot as a single-family home. Lots under 10,000 square feet cap the unit at 75 percent of the primary home's habitable floor area, a standard that cannot be waived. Larger lots and Nonurban Area parcels cap it at 100 percent, and recreational vehicles cannot serve as accessory living quarters.

Violations & Fines

Building without a permit, exceeding the size cap, or using an RV as an ADU violates Title 30 and can draw a stop-work order, red tag, or Code Enforcement citation until the unit is fixed or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special use permit for an ADU in unincorporated Clark County?

No. Accessory living quarters are classified as a permitted accessory use in single-family zoning districts, not a special use, but you still need a standard building permit and must meet Title 30's size, siting, and design standards.

Can I use an RV as my accessory dwelling unit?

No. Clark County Code section 30.03.03(A)(2) expressly prohibits using a recreational vehicle as accessory living quarters.

How big can my ADU be?

On lots under 10,000 square feet, it's capped at 75% of the primary home's habitable floor area: a standard that can't be waived. On lots 10,000 sf or larger, or in the Nonurban Area, it can match the primary home's floor area.

Sources & Official References

[1]Clark County Title 30 Unified Development Code, 30.03.03 Residential Uses

Other rules in Clark County

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All Clark County rules

How Clark County compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Clark County to another location·View the Nevada accessory structures overview

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ADU Rules in Cities Across Clark County

Las Vegas, NV Henderson, NV North Las Vegas, NV